ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Yesterday we had a little fun. The folks at Palmetto & Cannon Properties threw a cocktail party featuring my art in their newly renovated, historic Charleston home. The house was a perfect backdrop for my paintings with exposed brick and beams, reclaimed floors and accent lighting. Perfect weather, great company and yummy food. Here are a few snaps from the party.

Monday, August 13, 2012

I will be working non stop all week in Chicago, so I won't have lovely architecture and fab pics to share. But, if you've ever been to Merchandise Mart and longed over every bath and interior you could see, then you know Chicago has some serious style. It's style without trying to be pretentious...like they don't really have to try to hard...just regal and unexcused. You might want to shield the eyes of your wallet on these...a few Chicago design loves:

You don't expect some incredible sunrooms, but Kara Mann took black framed, metal windows top and bottom. Let the light in!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Happy Sunday! I'm off to Chicago for a week, but before leaving I wanted to show some photos of my art framed by clients in their homes as well as give a special thank you to those that have featured me on their blogs.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

While I was posting not too long ago on Campaign Furniture and my new found vintage dresser, I stumbled upon the most fabulous nursery furniture. No, I am not prego, but if I was, these would be snapped up so fast. Think of that soft pink, black and white pairing. Or, ring in a boy with just black, white and maybe a few safari animal prints. Hmm, or go with some regal navy and sailboat pics for a boy. The possibilities are endless. Anyway, I found House of Honey and fell in love with their style.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Hi! I’m Joanna, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a must-shop source for brilliant lighting fixtures including the types shown here. I’d like to thank Jennifer for allowing me to share a guest post about lighting artwork. Not only is correct lighting important for aesthetics, artwork can be damaged by the wrong lighting. Below are some tips and examples for successful lighting.

Meant for smaller artworks, picture lights (pictured above) draw attention directly to the details in the piece. Want to bring warm colors out in your artwork? Use incandescent bulbs.

"Fashion in Repose" Ink and Gold on Professional Archival Paper would look lovely lit by a single picture light to pick up its gold details.

Bendable and adjustable, monorail lighting is versatile enough to create unique light schemes in a sophisticated and highly aesthetic way. It is the perfect lighting fixture for a wall gallery of paintings or photographs.

Jennifer’s Spring Missoni & Chanel Inspired Series would look lovely lit with monorail lighting. Tip: Be sure to steer clear of direct natural light and fluorescents as the UV rays can damage and fade artwork.

Gooseneck lights provide focused directional light on artwork. They’re adjustable so you can pick out a specific area of the art you’d like to highlight.

Coco Chanel Garden "Camellia" Inspired Abstract would look lovely highlighted by a single gooseneck light. These lights are made to prevent upwards light.

Some experts like subtle indirect light sources to light art such as floor lamps, wall sconces (shown here) and table lamps. All of these in addition to a picture light will bring the beauty out in your art.

I hope these tips help when it comes to lighting you artwork, it is always great when lighting enhances a painting instead of overpowering it. Which type of lights do you prefer to use when showcasing your art? Comment below and don't forget to check out all of art worthy monorail lights at Arcadian Lighting.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Hydrangeas are everywhere right now in decor---pink, blue, purple, white, faded green... For us in the South, they were gone long ago except for the homes that bought the Endless Summer variety. For those up North, they seem to be wrapping up in glory. In addition to them being all over the Hampton Designer Showhouse, they seem to be making a bit a lead over the all time winner peony. It's obvious that I love flowers...goodness knows I paint enough of them! Here's an homage to hydrangeas:

Via Decorista. She might have my all time favorite design blog tied with La Dolce Vita. They aren't constantly trying to make a buck promoting sponsors and silly product features. So, back to the picture --not only are the pillows popping, but love the floor canister filled with fresh blooms.

House of Interior Designer Patricia Fisher. She has a different color (which I'll explain later) in every room freshly cut...plus a full suite of bursting bushes off her patio! Featured in Traditional Home.

Love that back splash.

Yep, you kind of wish that was your side yard. Via The Enchanted Home.

Vintage sunburst mirror with a serious floral display that is possibly outshining the fab purses.

You can take them into black and white posh. Full white blooms set off black and gold. Via Decor Pad. Kelly Wearstler fabric in background of course!

So, in that tone, here are my Haute Hydrangeas in Acid. For most hydrangeas, they will be in an acidic soil and bloom blue and purple.

Haute Hydrangeas in Alkaline. I wanted the pinks to show some edge for their unique color. Very hard to get the pinks, but you can doctor the soil to get them this color.

Friday, August 3, 2012

We all dream about it...you know, the Cape Cod looking beach house with weathered cedar shake siding, white trimmed windows adorning every space, hydrangeas bursting over the lawn, sweeping ocean views... Sigh, in the mean time, we can still take out pics of Diane Keaton's home in As Good as It Gets, but also take a peek at Traditional Home's Designer Showhouse.

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Perfectly colorful, rich and bright all at the same time!

More of the entryway.

Bakes & Company Kitchen. Hello backsplash!

Guest suite. I am in love with the chair and curtain fabric.

Great gallery art wall in the den. Blue hydrangeas were everywhere in the house.

A locale for those seeking sophisticated art and inspiration for their busy lives. Based in Charleston, SC, and embellished with trends and glamour acquired from travel all over the world. Lacquer your life with style!